Flat feet, also known as fallen arches, is a common condition in infants, and typically disappears by age three as the foot grows. In adults, this condition can be caused by illness or injury. Being overweight can also be a contributing factor. Therefore, a change in diet may help alleviate symptoms of the condition. Sometimes flat feet are caused by a short Achilles tendon, resulting in pain. A rare cause can be if bones become fused together. When the tendon that connects the inside of the ankle to the calf muscle is injured, flat feet may occur. While flat feet are common, it is a good idea to consult with a podiatrist to avoid any potential complications.

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.

Symptoms:

Pain around the heel or arch area

Trouble standing on the tip toe

Swelling around the inside of the ankle

Flat look to one or both feet

Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment:

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in North Carolina. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

When it comes to shopping for running shoes, there is no perfect shoe that works for everyone. Everyone has a different foot type so just because you’re the same size as someone else, it doesn’t mean their shoe will fit you correctly. Higher prices or brand names also don’t guarantee a great shoe either. There are certain qualities to look for when shoe shopping though. Shoes should be comfortable, especially for long periods of time. Knowing your foot type, such as whether you overpronate or have a neutral foot, can help as well. A podiatrist can help determine your foot type and can also make recommendations about what shoes to wear. A good pair of shoes should provide enough space for your toes, be breathable and comfortable, and support your feet.

If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from Carolina Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

To increase performance and avoid the risk of injury, it is important to choose the right running shoe based on your foot type. The general design of running shoes revolves around pronation, which is how the ankle rolls from outside to inside when the foot strikes the ground.

Neutral runners are able to choose from a wide variety of shoes, including minimalist shoes or even going barefoot.

Runners who overpronate, or experience an over-abundance of ankle rolling, should choose shoes that provide extra motion control and stability.

Runners who underpronate, or supinate, have feet that have high arches and lack flexibility, preventing shock absorption. They require shoes with more flexibility and cushion.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in North Carolina. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A new study by the University of Waterloo says that the elderly need up to twice as long as young adults to realize they are falling. Seniors are already at an increased risk of falling due to a number of reasons. This study helps show that once they are falling, they don’t process it as quickly as a younger person would. Consequently, there are more times that seniors can’t react fast enough to catch themselves or brace for impact. Falls are a leading cause of hospitalization among the elderly. Studies like this and increased awareness are needed to help prevent future falls among this rapidly growing group of people.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with one of our podiatrists from Carolina Foot & Ankle. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength

Periodically having your sight and hearing checked

Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling

Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings

Utilizing a walker or cane

Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning

Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in North Carolina. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A new study conducted by the University of Oregon, and with the participation of Stanford University, the University of Southern California, and the University of Colorado Boulder, seeks to identify athletes who are likely to develop stress fractures. With newly known risk factor indicators available, athletes who are at risk for stress fractures can be alerted and allowed to rest to prevent them. Stress fractures, or tiny hairline fractures in the bone, most commonly occur from overuse and lack of rest. The study is still in its early stages and will take several years to produce conclusive results. Researchers are hopeful that this will help prevent athlete's injuring themselves and allow them to keep playing.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists from Carolina Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use. The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

Runners

People affected with Osteoporosis

Tennis or basketball players

Gymnasts

High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in North Carolina. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

There are a great number of common foot ailments that can affect anyone. Here’s a small rundown on each and what to do about them. Plantar fasciitis, a common form of heel pain, is caused by the inflammation of the plantar fascia and generally occurs from overuse. Rest and wearing good footwear can help the pain go away, however, it is best to see a podiatrist for treatment. Flat feet are often treated by a podiatrist who can offer the best forms of appropriate treatment such as custom-made orthotics. Heel spurs are calcium deposits that form beneath the heel bones, potentially causing severe pain. Anti-inflammatory medications, exercise, and orthotics can help treat heel spurs; however, surgery may be necessary in some cases. Calluses, or thick patches of skin caused by friction, can be taken care of by eliminating sources of friction against the foot and moisturizing. For athletes and runners, spraining and straining the foot are always a possibility. Icing the foot, rest, and seeing a podiatrist are the best methods of treatment. Bunions are bony protrusions at the base of the big toe and can be exacerbated by poor footwear, such as heels. Once again, seeing a podiatrist is the best way to get treatment. Finally, ingrown toenails are a common condition and can be prevented by cutting your nails straight across and wearing shoes that give the toes ample space to move.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Carolina Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in North Carolina. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.